The production starts out light-hearted,
good-humored, but professional; then steps up to
profound. Ben Affleck plays the historian (ex-marine)
borrowed by the CIA for his expertise on the newest
Russian leader. Morgan Freeman who seems to be
relaxing just a bit too much in this role plays the
veteran intelligence adviser to the president
(Cromwell). Films like "Fail Safe" come to mind.

As the advert forewarns, a nuclear weapon is
missing and the bad guys are up for a nasty little
war, only Affleck has the knowledge base to prevent
catastrophe.

Very well directed from beginning to end, Robinson
masterfully invokes the mood and then changes it with
strength and discipline. Save for the resolution,
that is, which plays forgivably a bit rushed.

A few implausibilities pale in comparison to the
magnitude and seriousness of the piece. The "Star
Spangled Banner" as sung by Arnold McCuller and
accompanied by a rifle loud drum march sets the stage
exceptionally well for a surprising turn of events.
Artfully shot, well scripted, with tremendous
direction. In addition to Affleck, Cromwell and
Schreiber also deliver strong performances. It's a
big movie.